Are you looking for a delicious, hearty, and easy-to-prepare meal that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than this Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe! This classic dish is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. With the magic of the Instant Pot, you can enjoy tender, juicy, and flavorful pot roast in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional methods. Keep reading to discover the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips to make the perfect pot roast every time!
What is an Instant Pot Pot Roast?
An Instant Pot Pot Roast is a savory and tender beef roast that is cooked with vegetables, broth, and herbs in an Instant Pot. Unlike traditional pot roasts that can take hours to cook in the oven or slow cooker, the Instant Pot speeds up the process significantly. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth, flavorful roast with perfectly cooked vegetables in just over an hour! This recipe combines the convenience of a pressure cooker with the rich, comforting flavors of a classic pot roast, making it a must-have in your recipe collection.
Ingredients List for Instant Pot Pot Roast
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Instant Pot Pot Roast:
- 3-4 lbs. beef chuck roast (boneless, trimmed of excess fat)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more beef broth)
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 medium carrots, cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, cut into chunks (Yukon gold or red potatoes work best)
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Substitutions and Variations
This Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe is versatile, and you can make several substitutions and variations to suit your taste:
- Meat: You can use other cuts of beef like brisket or even lamb if you prefer. Pork shoulder is another tasty alternative.
- Wine: If you want to skip the red wine, replace it with beef broth or even grape juice for a hint of sweetness.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms for extra flavor. You can also use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different taste.
- Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like oregano, parsley, or bay leaves for a new twist on the classic recipe.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making an Instant Pot Pot Roast is straightforward, and with these step-by-step instructions, you’ll have a perfect pot roast ready in no time:
- Prepare the Meat:
- Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
- Sear the Roast:
- Set the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and add olive oil. Once hot, sear the roast for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pot:
- Pour in the red wine (if using) and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom of the pot. This will add extra flavor to your roast.
- Add the Rest of the Ingredients:
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Return the seared roast to the pot, nestling it into the liquid.
- Pressure Cook:
- Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes (1 hour).
- Release the Pressure:
- Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to release any remaining pressure.
- Add Vegetables and Cook:
- Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Seal the lid again and cook on high pressure for an additional 10 minutes.
- Finish and Serve:
- Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release. Remove the roast and vegetables, and slice or shred the meat. Serve hot with the cooking juices or gravy.
How to Cook Instant Pot Pot Roast: A Step-by-Step Guide
For a more detailed walkthrough, here’s how you can master your Instant Pot Pot Roast:
- Choose the Right Cut of Meat: The best cut for pot roast is beef chuck roast because it’s marbled with fat, which melts down during cooking and makes the meat juicy and tender.
- Searing is Key: Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the meat adds a ton of flavor to the final dish. Make sure your Instant Pot is hot before adding the beef.
- Layer Flavors: Sautéing the onions and garlic, deglazing with wine, and using a mix of herbs creates a rich, layered taste.
- Time Management: Cooking the roast first and then adding the vegetables later ensures that everything cooks to the right texture. No mushy vegetables here!
- Natural Pressure Release: Allowing the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes after cooking helps to keep the meat tender.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Instant Pot Pot Roast turns out perfect, avoid these common mistakes:
- Not Searing the Meat: Skipping the sear will make your roast less flavorful. Always brown the meat before pressure cooking.
- Overcooking the Vegetables: Adding vegetables at the beginning will result in mushy, overcooked veggies. Add them towards the end for the best texture.
- Not Deglazing the Pot: Leaving stuck-on bits in the pot can lead to a “Burn” warning on your Instant Pot. Always deglaze before pressure cooking.
- Rushing the Pressure Release: Letting the pressure release naturally helps the meat stay moist and tender. Be patient!
Serving and Presentation Tips
A great pot roast not only tastes amazing but also looks inviting. Here are some tips for serving your Instant Pot Pot Roast:
- Slice or Shred: For a more traditional look, slice the roast against the grain. For a rustic, homey feel, shred it into pieces.
- Serve with Gravy: Use the cooking liquid as a base for gravy. Just whisk in cornstarch mixed with water and simmer until thickened.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.
How to Serve Instant Pot Pot Roast
- Classic Plate: Serve the sliced or shredded roast on a large plate surrounded by the vegetables. Drizzle some of the cooking liquid over the top.
- Family-Style Platter: Arrange the roast and veggies on a large serving platter, perfect for sharing.
- Over Mashed Potatoes: Serve the pot roast over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
Presentation Ideas for Instant Pot Pot Roast
- Rustic Wooden Board: Serve the roast on a wooden board with vegetables around, creating a cozy, rustic feel.
- Large Casserole Dish: Arrange everything neatly in a large, oven-safe dish, then place it under the broiler for a few minutes to get a slightly crispy top.
- Individual Bowls: For a more personalized touch, serve the roast in individual bowls, perfect for a casual dinner.
Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe Tips
- Use Room Temperature Meat: This helps the roast cook more evenly.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even a bay leaf can elevate the flavors.
- Adjust the Liquid: The Instant Pot needs enough liquid to come to pressure, so ensure there’s at least 1-2 cups of broth or water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen beef for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it will require a longer cooking time. Add an extra 20-30 minutes to the initial pressure cooking time.
Q: What if I don’t have an Instant Pot? A: You can still make this recipe using a slow cooker. Sear the meat on the stovetop, then transfer to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
Q: How can I make the gravy thicker? A: After removing the roast and vegetables, set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” and whisk in a slurry of 2 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoon water. Simmer until thickened.
Q: Can I store leftovers? A: Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe is a game-changer for those who want a delicious, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With the ease of an Instant Pot, you can achieve tender, succulent beef and perfectly cooked vegetables in a fraction of the time. Follow this recipe, try out the tips, and enjoy a hearty meal that
PrintInstant Pot Pot Roast Recipe
This Instant Pot pot roast recipe delivers a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth meal with tender beef, carrots, and potatoes. A quick and easy recipe using the Instant Pot to save time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 large carrots, cut into chunks
- 4 potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the beef with salt and pepper. Set Instant Pot to sauté mode, add olive oil, and brown the roast on all sides.
- Remove the roast and add onions and garlic, cooking until soft. Add tomato paste, stirring until mixed.
- Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Return the roast to the pot, cover, and seal.
- Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then quick release. Add carrots and potatoes, and cook for an additional 10 minutes on high pressure.
- Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the roast overnight with herbs and spices.
- Adjust the cooking time if using a smaller or larger roast.
- To thicken the sauce, remove the roast and set Instant Pot to sauté, simmering until desired consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
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